The topic of democracy is front of mind these days, especially now as we enter the summer of a presidential election year in the U.S. The University of Notre Dame occupies a privileged position as a leading non-partisan voice in discussions about democracy, and the new Notre Dame Democracy Initiative signals the University’s intention to build on this unique legacy.

In this episode of For Good, David Campbell, the Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy and inaugural Director of the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative, discusses why people become disengaged from civic life, what gives him hope about the future of American democracy, and how Notre Dame can become a leader in establishing informed, civil discourse on democracy worldwide.

00:00 Meet David Campbell

2:38 The Importance of Democracy

3:34 David’s background, research, and books

6:55 Trends of civic disengagement 

11:08 An All-inclusive democracy initiative at Notre Dame

14:58 The Role of education in developing civic responsibility

20:45 The three unique pillars of Notre Dame’s Democracy Initiative

23:51 A hopeful future beyond polarization

27:27 The upcoming election season and global movements

30:28 The importance of providing resources to the Democracy Initiative